After tons of spy images and teasers, the facelifted Kushaq has finally been revealed for the Indian market with some significant design changes on the exterior, added features and a new automatic gearbox option. Its pre-launch bookings are now open, while prices are slated to be announced in March 2026.
- Features like alloy wheels, sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, rear wiper & washer, rear defogger, auto AC, rear sequential turn indicators and touchscreen infotainment are now standard.
- Front parking sensors are optional for the base variant.
- A new AISIN-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission has replaced the older 6-speed unit.
- Offered in five variants: Classic+, Signature, Sportline, Prestige and Monte Carlo.
2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift – What’s New?
Exterior
The new Kushaq facelift looks more evolutionary than revolutionary. It looks nicer than before with the new blacked-out grille with slimmer LED headlamps and DRLs, bridged by segmented light elements. The front bumper has also been refreshed with an angular silver faux skid plate.
The side profile of the SUV remains largely unchanged, save for the revised alloy wheels. You can now also spot the rear disc brakes in the top variants of the 1.5L version.
Towards the rear, the 2026 Kushaq features a new connected lighting setup with an illuminated “SKODA” wordmark positioned at the centre. The SUV also gets sequential turn indicators, adding a more premium touch. Completing the updates is a subtle bumper revision
Interior and Features
While the interior design of the SUV remains unchanged, it receives a longer list of equipment to stay competitive in the segment. Having said that, the new Kushaq now features a panoramic sunroof in the higher variants, while a single-pane electric sunroof will be offered from the base variant.
The facelift update also introduces a segment-first rear massage function for the outward seats, a new digital instrument cluster, along with a refreshed colour theme and updated upholstery. Additionally, the infotainment system now comes equipped with an AI companion powered by Google.
For safety, the 2026 Kushaq now gets front parking sensors as standard fitment from the Signature variant onwards, whereas they are optional for the base-spec Classic+ variant.
New Automatic Gearbox Option
The facelifted Kushaq continues with the same engine options as the outgoing model, comprising a 1-litre turbo-petrol (115PS/178Nm) and a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (150PS/250Nm). While the latter comes paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the smaller gasoline mill now receives a new 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission, replacing the earlier 6-speed unit for smoother shifts, improved driving comfort and better fuel economy. Besides, it retains the 6-speed manual gearbox,
| Engine | 1-litre turbo-petrol engine | 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine |
| No of Cylinders | 3 | 4 |
| Max Power | 115 PS | 150 PS |
| Peak Torque | 178 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic | 7-speed DCT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Competition Check
With the facelift update, the Kushaq strengthens its position within the hotly congested mid-size SUV segment, which comprises offerings like Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Maruti Victoris, Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Honda Elevate, MG Astor, and Volkswagen Taigun. Soon, Renault Duster and Nissan Tekton will also join the lineup.
Author’s Take
The updates introduced on the 2026 Skoda Kushaq are certainly welcoming and make the SUV feel more modern and feature-rich than before. However, when compared to rivals in the segment, it still misses out on some key convenience and safety features such as a 360-degree camera, rear sunblinds, rear seat recline function, and an ADAS suite. These features are increasingly becoming common in this space.
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